In their latest league match, Tenbury Ladies visited Stourport and the match was closely fought for the first 50 minutes. The final score made the result look deceptively one sided and was not a true reflection of the game. In fact Stourport had failed to score at half time despite having 12 short corners. Each one was saved by Kailee Hurdiss who made some excellent reaction stops or blocked by Jo Broome, as she prevented the strikers getting their shots on target. Although under pressure from the fast, youthful Stourport side, Tenbury were always in the game until the final quarter. There were powerful shots on goals by Rachel Croxton and Abi Thomas who made frequent scintillating runs through the defence, each one being saved or deflected by the home goalkeeper. Both players had outstanding games. The Stourport opener came from an opportunistic deflection in the first half. The scores became level shortly after the start of the second half when, following a series of interchanged passes, Oli Linton struck the ball from the top of the circle with great ferocity, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Both teams played flowing hockey from end to end using the width of the field and Tenbury came close to taking the lead through shots by several of the forwards from skilful open play. Under increasing pressure from the energetic Stourport team, Tenbury conceded two further goals midway through the half. They continued to counter-attack and showed tremendous spirit in an attempt to get back into the game. However the result was that in the final ten minutes the Stourport forwards were able to net three more times, from breaks against play, which gave the result a deceptive appearance. The Tenbury defending against a total of 19 short corners was outstanding with Jo Turvey and Amy Euwen playing fine games. It was goalkeeper Kailee Hurdiss however, who was awarded Player of the Match for her brilliant performance against a very high class team.

Second League Win for TenburyTenbury Ladies 4 – Redditch Ladies 1Tenbury Ladies produced what was possibly their most spectacular win of the season in defeating a young, but skilful team at Bridge Street. Tina Bickley made her debut performance of the season as goalkeeper and had an outstanding game producing several fantastic reaction saves that held Redditch at bay. Tenbury dominated the game although Redditch did produce some potentially devastating runs that were intercepted by sweeper Michele Petrie. Her speedy redistribution of the ball to the Tenbury midfielders enabled them to switch back into attack. The first goal came from a short corner routine when Abi Thomas, who was again outstanding, received the ball and struck it into the back of the net. Unfortunately Redditch then equalised ten minutes later, following some good passing moves between their forwards.

In one of the most exciting moments of the match, Emma Hillhouse restored the lead within a minute of Redditch scoring, coolly placing the ball into the back of the net, out manouvering several players with some excellent stick work and cool thinking under the pressure of the Redditch defence.

In the second half, Tenbury began to exert more control. Emma Hillhouse scored her third goal when she cracked the ball into the net having received a wonderful 40 yard pass from Sarah Nightingale who displayed all her skills in another strong run with tremendous speed and agility down the left wing.

The Tenbury defence remained determined, withstanding increasing pressure from the desperate opposition with well organised short corners. Jo Turvey was in outstanding form controlling play at the back and her strong persistence paid off as she received “Joint Player of the Match” award with Sarah Nightingale. Oli Linton was in exceptional form and her goal put the icing on the cake for Tenbury when she dribbled the ball from the halfway line into the circle, beating several despairing defenders and deceiving the keeper with an extremely tight angled shot. The game, marked by good sportsmanship and excellent umpiring provided another fine performance by an increasingly buoyed Tenbury team.